AMD PRO A4-8350B
AMD PRO A4-8350B: Review and Recommendations for Budget Build in 2025
Current as of April 2025
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance
Kaveri Architecture and 28 nm Process Technology
The AMD PRO A4-8350B processor, released in 2015, is based on the Kaveri microarchitecture. It was one of AMD's first solutions to integrate a CPU and GPU onto a single chip (using HSA — Heterogeneous System Architecture). The process technology is 28 nm, which is considered outdated by 2025 standards. Modern processors utilize 5–7 nm processes, offering better energy efficiency and transistor density.
Key Parameters:
- 2 cores / 2 threads (no SMT/Hyper-Threading support).
- Base frequency — 3.7 GHz, Turbo Core — 4.0 GHz.
- Integrated graphics Radeon R5 (128 stream processors, frequency up to 800 MHz).
- TDP — 65 W.
Performance
According to Geekbench 6 (2025):
- Single-Core: 426 points — comparable to Intel Pentium G4560 (2017).
- Multi-Core: 654 points — lower than most budget 4-core CPUs.
Highlights:
- Support for Mantle API (predecessor to Vulkan) — relevant for older games.
- Cool’n’Quiet power-saving technologies.
2. Compatible Motherboards
FM2+ Socket and Chipsets
The processor uses the FM2+ socket, which was relevant from 2013 to 2015. Suitable chipsets include:
- A68H (budget option, no USB 3.1).
- A78 (supports USB 3.1, SATA 6 Gbit/s).
Example Boards:
- ASUS A68HM-K (price: $70–90 for a new one, if available).
- Gigabyte GA-F2A78M-DS2 (similar pricing).
Choosing Features:
- FM2+ boards are discontinued. New units are rare and often sold used.
- Lack of support for PCIe 4.0/5.0, M.2 NVMe (only through adapters).
3. Supported Memory
Memory Type: DDR3-2133 MHz (dual-channel mode).
Maximum Capacity: 64 GB (theoretically), but in practice, FM2+ boards rarely support more than 32 GB.
Recommendations:
- Use 2 modules of 8 GB DDR3-2133 for dual-channel mode (e.g., Kingston HyperX Fury, $25–30 per module).
- DDR4/DDR5 is unsupported — this is the main limitation for upgrades.
4. Power Supply: Calculation and Recommendations
With a TDP of 65 W and integrated graphics, the minimum power supply wattage is 300 W. However, for a system with a low-end discrete graphics card (e.g., GT 1030), a 400–500 W supply is recommended.
Example PSUs:
- EVGA 500 W1 (80+ White, $45) — a reliable option for basic builds.
- Corsair CV450 (80+ Bronze, $55) — better efficiency and warranty.
Tip: Don’t skimp on the PSU — system stability is more important.
5. Pros and Cons of AMD PRO A4-8350B
Pros:
- Low price ($50–60 for a new processor).
- Energy efficiency for office tasks.
- Integrated graphics for low-demand games (e.g., CS:GO at 720p).
Cons:
- Outdated architecture — 40–60% behind modern Celeron in Single-Core performance.
- Limited compatibility — no support for DDR4, PCIe 4.0.
- Weak upgrade potential — moving to FM2+ is impossible without replacing the motherboard.
6. Use Cases
Office and Multimedia
- Document work, browsing (10+ tabs), Zoom/Teams.
- 1080p/4K video playback via hardware decoding (supports H.264).
Gaming
- Radeon R5 can handle:
- Dota 2 (30–40 FPS on low settings).
- Minecraft (without shaders).
- Retro games via emulators.
Home Server/Media Center
- Install Linux + Plex/Kodi for streaming.
7. Comparison with Competitors
Intel Celeron G5920 (2020)
- 2 cores / 2 threads, UHD Graphics 610.
- Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 580, Multi-Core: 900.
- Price: $60–70.
Conclusion: Better performance but more expensive.
AMD Athlon 3000G (2019)
- 2 cores / 4 threads, Vega 3 Graphics.
- Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 520, Multi-Core: 1100.
- Price: $70–80.
Conclusion: Superior in multi-threading and graphics.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- SSD is essential: Kingston A400 (240 GB, $25) will speed up system boot times.
- Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but replace the thermal paste (Arctic MX-4, $5).
- Discrete graphics card: Better not to install one — CPU will become the bottleneck.
- Operating System: Windows 10 LTSC or Linux (to save resources).
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the AMD PRO A4-8350B For?
This processor is a choice for those on a very tight budget in 2025. It’s relevant if:
- A PC for basic tasks is needed (office work, YouTube, light development).
- There’s access to new/used FM2+ components at low prices.
- The goal is to build a system for under $200 (excluding monitor).
Alternative: Consider a mini-PC based on Intel N100 (4 cores, 6 W TDP, $150) — better performance and modern interfaces.
Conclusion: The AMD PRO A4-8350B is a relic of the past, but in the hands of an enthusiast or for specific tasks, it can still find use. However, in 2025, it's wiser to invest in more modern platforms.